Enjoying the final weeks of summer in Philadelphia

Summertime in Philadelphia is truly something special.  While many flock to the beaches or the mountains, locals and visitors alike enjoy the many activities taking place in the City of Brotherly Love.  Fall may be on the horizon, but there are still plenty of fun happenings around the city that you can enjoy in these final weeks of summer – all while supporting businesses and the local economy while you’re at it!   

You don’t have to be Welsh to enjoy Welsh Week in Philadelphia, happening August 27 through September 4, which celebrates three centuries’ worth of rich Welsh traditions in Philadelphia. Look out for all kinds of entertainment throughout the weeklong fest, including live music at the Kimmel Center, food- and drink-centric events, films and historic panels. 

During Labor day weekend on September 3 and 4, make your way down to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to enjoy the 2022 version of Jay-Z’s massive outdoor music festival, Made in America, which features two-days of performances, including headliners Bad Bunny and Tyler, the Creator, and opening acts like Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Uzi Vert, Burna Boy and Victoria Monét. 

And in the nighttime?  Eastern State Penitentiary’s night tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the historic cell blocks as the sun goes down. Admission includes an audio tour, along with access to the award-winning exhibit Prisons Today and points of interest like Al Capone’s cell. Cool off after at the pop-up beer garden on the penitentiary’s baseball diamond, offering craft beer from Triple Bottom Brewing Co. and other hands-on activities.  

On September 3 at approximately 8:30 PM, make your way down to Penn’s Landing during this free fireworks display over the Delaware River. If you’re looking for the best vantage point, check out Visit Philadelphia’s guide to where to watch fireworks on the Delaware River waterfront.  While you’re on the waterfront, Spruce Street Harbor Park and its neighboring Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest are open for all your Labor Day weekend fun. Both spots offer summer carnival vibes, with Ferris Wheels, carnival games, outdoor roller skating and floating beer barges. Hammocks swaying in neon-lit trees give you a chance to slow down to take in the lively scene.

Of course, you can always eat and shop local at Reading Terminal Market, open daily from 8 AM - 6 PM!  Center City Business Association member Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of Reading Terminal Market, described the summer fun taking place at one of America’s largest and oldest public markets:  “Working in the heart of Center City at Philadelphia’s historic public market and most-visited tourist attraction is a lot of fun in itself! In the summer we love shopping the local produce and seasonal items available at the 70+ small businesses inside Reading Terminal Market – there’s certainly never a shortage of great lunch options for our team. There’s some serious office chatter about what to bring home for cook-outs too!” 

Another member, Lee Huang, M.P.A., President and Principal of ESI Econsult Solutions, described how his workplace enjoys the summer while also supporting the economy.  “One of the great initiatives that is currently taking place at the firm is ‘ESI Eats’, where our staff is incentivized to go out and explore the restaurant landscape in the surrounding area. In the spirit of encouraging team building and supporting the downtown economy, every staff member gets an allowance that can be used when two or more people go out to lunch or coffee. With the onset of this initiative, we have noticed folks on our team bonding, sharing food, and becoming more connected. Aside from this being an incredible way to connect on a personal level, it also helps with our push towards supporting local businesses.”  (Check out Visit Philadelphia’s list of places where you can enjoy a bite outside). 

 And if you’re looking to escape the summer heat but still want to socialize while supporting the local economy?   Kar Vivekananthan, President of OhmComm, Inc., says “we incorporate fun into our business culture by planning outings that the whole team might enjoy, like bowling or ax-throwing.”  (For more ideas, take a look at TripBuzz’s list of 153 indoor activities to enjoy in Philadelphia.)

In short, there are still a ton of ways to enjoy summertime in Philly – whether night or day, outdoors or indoors, with friends or with colleagues.   Get planning and enjoy the rest of summer while it lasts!

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